Carlos Vela spoke about the current state of football in Mexico following the disappointing performance in Qatar 2022. He spoke candidly about the national team, acknowledging that his distance from the squad does not silence his perspective as a seasoned voice within Mexican football. When pressed for thoughts on the team’s direction, the striker emphasized that meaningful changes are essential, or else the status quo will persist into the future.
Vela, still connected to the sport through his ongoing career, underscored the need to examine problems from the root. He argued that issues stretch back over a long period and that without genuine reform or a search for real solutions, the cycle will continue. His words suggested that incremental tweaks would not suffice if they do not address deeper structural questions affecting the team’s development and outcomes on the international stage.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will see Mexico playing on home soil, Vela expressed cautious optimism. He believes the Tricolor has time to refine its approach and return to form, with the ultimate aim of delivering a stronger performance than in Qatar. The focus, in his view, should be to overcome the setbacks from 2022 and to push the team further into the tournament, demonstrating progress and consistency across qualifying matches and friendlies alike.
In his assessment, the project for the national team must be clearly defined. Vela argued for a plan that includes a visible and achievable path, supported by competent leadership and a unifying vision. He suggested that those overseeing the program deserve broad confidence to implement the strategy effectively, which he believes is crucial for nurturing a generation capable of competing at the highest level and achieving tangible results on the world stage.
Vela’s career with the Mexican national team reached its formal conclusion after the 2018 season following his earlier peak moments and contributions. Although he remained a player of interest for national team coaches, including during the Qatar 2022 cycle, he made it clear that his time wearing the jersey had passed. He encouraged younger players to seize the opportunity and to push the program forward with fresh energy and new ideas, reinforcing the idea that transition can spark progress rather than hinder it.
The dialogue surrounding the national team continues to evolve, especially as Canada and the United States prepare to host major matches and bring renewed attention to CONCACAF football. From club-level development to national systems, observers in both countries are watching closely how Mexico plans to recalibrate and invest in youth, coaching, and player leadership to build a more competitive program capable of advancing deep into future World Cups. The ongoing conversation about the team’s direction reflects a broader commitment to elevating the sport across the region and ensuring that Mexico remains a formidable presence on the world stage.